Complicating matters further, the South Pole station is at a high
altitude which could reportedly prevent the breathalyser tests from
working properly. The agency insisted that drinking was not out of control but it wanted to prevent alcohol-related problems.

“Alcohol-related misconduct is not disproportionately represented at
the Antarctic stations,” an NSF official told Wired in a statement. Several countries have research bases in Antarctica, including Britain,
France and Russia. Each has its own rules about consumption of alcohol.

The agency says it recognises that “alcohol can play a useful role in
providing a diversion from the pressures of work when used in
moderation” but has strict rules to prevent staff working while unduly
influenced by alcohol.

It allows alcohol to be served at specific
occasions such as “the visit of a VIP, a retirement, Midwinter
celebration or Christmas”.